For Safe Winter Driving, PennDOT Urges Use Of Online Resources

With the early arrival of winter weather in northeastern Pennsylvania last week, PennDOT is reminding motorists that if they are planning to travel when storms are forecast, they should check the PennDOT Web site for the latest conditions on the interstates.

"When heavy snow is predicted, all nonessential travel should be postponed," PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E., said. "If plans cannot be changed, motorists should use our online resources, as well as the interstate hotline, to stay aware of road conditions.

"PennDOT's travel information page contains tools including links to department traffic cameras and current weather-related travel conditions and closures, which are updated every 15 minutes for all Pennsylvania interstates."

The interstate road conditions hotline — 1-888-783-6783 for in-state callers; out-of-state callers should call 717-783-5186 — provides weather related road condition information for all Pennsylvania interstates. The travel page at www.dot.state.pa.us also includes a winter driving guide, the "Ice and Snow, Take it Slow" brochure. The guide provides winter driving tips and includes a list of what should be included in a simple emergency travel kit.

"The contents of an emergency travel kit are basic, but should be tailored to each family's specific needs, whether they include baby supplies, pet necessities or medications," Biehler said.

Some of the basic items for every vehicle include first aid supplies, non-perishable food, water, warm clothes, a blanket, a battery-powered radio, and a small snow shovel.